Heated or cooled dishwasher safe dishware and drinkware

ABSTRACT

Heated or cooled dishwasher safe dishware and drinkware are provided. The dishware and drinkware can be a plate or mug with a dishwasher safe body having a food or beverage receiving portion and a heating or cooling system. The heating or cooling system can have a heating or cooling element that heats or cools the receiving portion of the body. The heating or cooling system can optionally have a power storage element connected to the heating or cooling element, a charging module operatively connected to the power storage element, and/or a wireless power receiver operatively connected to the charging module and configured to transmit power thereto to charge the power storage device. The heating or cooling system is operable to actively heat or cool at least a portion of the body to maintain the solid or liquid food in a heated or cooled state for an extended period of time.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S.Provisional App. No. 61/409,493 (Atty Docket No. ALXNDR.001PR), filedNov. 2, 2010, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated byreference and should be considered a part of this specification.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The invention is directed to dishwasher safe dishware and drinkware,such as plates and mugs, and more particularly to actively heated orcooled dishwasher safe dishware and drinkware.

2. Description of the Related Art

Dishware (e.g., plates, bowls), serverware (e.g., platters) anddrinkware (e.g., cups) are sometimes made of ceramic materials. Platesare sometimes heated by placing into an oven, so that the food on theplate can be maintained warm for a longer time than if the plate was notheated. For example, in some restaurants, plates will be heated prior tofood being placed thereon, or simultaneously with the food (e.g., asteak) thereon. For example, a plate holding a steak can be placed intoan oven to cook the steak, and once removed the plate maintains the foodwarm for a while. In some instances, a plate or bowl might also bechilled to maintain food thereon cold for a longer period of time (e.g.,salad, gazpacho) than if the plate was not chilled. However, suchheating and cooling mechanisms are passive mechanisms that rely on therelease of heat, in the case of a heated plate, or the absorption ofheat, in the case of a chilled plate, by the plate based on the heattransfer properties of the ceramic material.

However, technology for actively heating, or cooling, dishwasher safedishware or drinkware is not readily available. Accordingly, there is aneed for dishwasher safe dishware (e.g., plates, bowls) and drinkware(e.g., cups, mugs) that can be actively heated or cooled during use.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one embodiment, a plate, mug, cup or serving dish canbe provided, comprising a dishwasher safe body having a receivingportion for holding solid or liquid food and a heating or coolingsystem. The heating or cooling system can have a heating or coolingelement configured to heat or cool the receiving portion of the body. Apower storage element is electrically connected to the heating orcooling element, the power storage element configured to supply theheating or cooling element with electricity for a desired period oftime, and/or at a give power setting. A wireless power receiver isconfigured to wirelessly receive power from a power source, the wirelesspower receiver being in communication with the power storage device andconfigured to charge the power storage device. The heating or coolingelement is operable to actively heat or cool at least a portion of thebody to maintain the solid or liquid food in a heated or cooled statefor an extended period of time.

In accordance with another embodiment, a travel mug is providedcomprising a dishwasher safe body having a receiving portion for holdingsolid or liquid food and a heating or cooling system. The heating orcooling system can have a heating or cooling element configured to heator cool the receiving portion of the body. A power storage element iselectrically connected to the heating or cooling element, the powerstorage element configured to supply the heating or cooling element withelectricity for a desired period of time. A charging circuit iselectrically connected to the power storage element, the chargingcircuit configured to control a charging process of the power storageelement. A wireless power receiver is configured to wirelessly receivepower from a power source, the wireless power receiver connected to thecharging circuit and configured to transmit power thereto to charge thepower storage element. The heating or cooling element is operable toactively heat or cool at least a portion of the receiving portion of thebody to maintain the solid or liquid food in a heated or cooled statefor an extended period of time.

In accordance with another embodiment, an actively heated or cooledplate, mug, cup or serving dish is provided. The actively heated orcooled plate, mug, cup or serving dish comprises a dishwasher safe bodyhaving a receiving portion for holding solid or liquid food. A heatingor cooling element is configured to heat or cool the receiving portionof the body. A wireless power receiver is electrically connected to aheating or cooling element, the wireless power receiver configured towirelessly receive power from a power source. A controller circuit ishoused in the body and is electrically connected to the wireless powerreceiver and the heating or cooling element, wherein the controller isconfigured to control the operation of the heating or cooling element.

In accordance with another embodiment, an actively heated or cooledplate, mug, cup or serving dish is provided. The actively heated orcooled plate, mug, cup or serving dish comprises a dishwasher safe bodyhaving a receiving portion for holding solid or liquid food. A heatingor cooling system can be housed in the body, or removably coupled to abottom surface of the body, and configured to heat or cool the receivingportion of the body. The heating or cooling system can include a heatingor cooling element electrically connected to a wireless power receiver,the wireless power receiver configured to wirelessly receive power froma power source.

In still another embodiment, the plate, mug, cup or serving dish canalso have a user adjustable thermostat disposed thereon or on a chargingbase on which the plate or mug can be placed. The thermostat canadvantageously be adjusted by a user to control the heating or coolingelement within the plate, mug, cup or serving dish in order to maintainthe heating or cooling element within the plate, mug, cup or servingdish at a specified temperature or within a specified temperature range.

In yet another embodiment, an actively heated or cooled plate, mug, cupor serving dish is provided. The actively heated or cooled plate, mug,cup or serving dish comprises a dishwasher safe body having a receivingportion for holding solid or liquid food. A heating or cooling systemcan be housed in the body, or removably coupled to a bottom surface ofthe body, and configured to heat or cool the receiving portion of thebody. The heating or cooling system can include a heating or coolingelement electrically coupled to an electrical contact on an outersurface of the body (e.g., electrical posts that protrude from the bodyor electrical pads on a surface the body) configured to electricallyconnect to an electrical connector (e.g. in a charging base) that can beconnected to a power source (e.g., wall outlet). The actively heated orcooled plate, mug, cup or serving dish can optionally have one or morepower storage elements electrically connected to the heating or coolingelement and electrical contact, the power storage elements configured tostore power transmitted from the power source and to supply power to theheating or cooling element to heat or cool the receiving portion of thebody for a desired period of time via a control circuit within theplate, mug, cup or serving dish.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of aheated or cooled plate.

FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded view of the heated or cooled plate ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the heated or cooledplate of FIG. 1 and a charging base for the plate.

FIG. 3A is a schematic perspective bottom view of another embodiment ofa heated or cooled plate that is similar to the plate of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3B is a schematic perspective top view of the heated or cooledplate of FIG. 3A and a charging base for the plate.

FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of a charging stand for storingmultiple heated or cooled plates, and a plurality of heated or cooledplates stored on the stand.

FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of the charging stand of FIG. 5.

FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective top view of another embodiment of aheated or cooled plate.

FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another embodiment of aheated or cooled plate.

FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of aheated or cooled mug and its charging base.

FIG. 9 is a schematic exploded view of the heated or cooled mug in FIG.8

FIG. 9A is a schematic exploded view of another embodiment of a heatedor cooled mug.

FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective cross-sectional view of oneembodiment of a heated or cooled travel mug.

FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective exploded view of the heated or cooledtravel mug of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view of the heated or cooled travelmug of FIG. 12 and its associated charging base.

FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective cross-sectional view of anotherembodiment of a heated or cooled travel mug.

FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective cross-sectional view of anotherembodiment of a heated or cooled travel mug.

FIG. 15 is a schematic perspective view of the heated or cooled travelmug of FIG. 14.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1-3 show one embodiment of heated or cooled dishware orserverware. In particular, FIGS. 1-3 show one embodiment of a heated orcooled plate 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the plate 100 has acircumferential wall 10 with a side surface 30 a and a base 20 having atop surface 20 a, where the side surface 30 a and top surface 20 adefine a recess 30 that can hold food (e.g., receiving portion of theplate that holds food). In another embodiment, the plate 100 can be flatwith a generally flat top surface (e.g., where the food receivingportion is not recessed). The wall 10 extends from a top edge 12 to abottom edge 14. A bottom portion 40 of the plate 100 defines a bottomsurface 42 of the plate 100, which is recessed relative to the edge 14and defines a recess 16 of the plate 100, such that the edge 14, not thebottom surface 42, contacts a table or counter surface when the plate100 is placed on the table or counter surface. In another embodiment,the bottom surface 42 can be flush with the bottom edge 14, not recessedrelative to the edge 14. In still another embodiment, the bottom surface42 can protrude from the bottom of the plate 100 relative to the edge14.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, the bottom portion 40 attaches tothe wall 10 so that a cavity 50 is defined between the bottom portion 40and the base 20, where the cavity 50 is sized to house severalcomponents, as described below. As shown in FIG. 2, the plate 100 caninclude a heating or cooling system 55, which can include a heating orcooling element 60, an insulative member 70, one or more electricalenergy storage devices 80 electrically connected to the heating ofcooling element 60, and an electronic module 90. The heating or coolingelement 60, insulative member 70, electrical storage devices 80 andelectronic module 90 can be disposed (e.g., embedded) in a bottomsection of the plate 100. In another embodiment, the heating or coolingsystem 55 can be housed in a module that is removably attachable to theplate 100. In this embodiment, the heating or cooling element 60 andinsulating member 70 can be a part of the removable module or can bedisposed in the plate, and not part of the removable module.

In one embodiment, the heating or cooling element 60 can be heater orheating wire that is disposed adjacent a bottom surface 20 b of the base20 (e.g., adhered or otherwise secured to the bottom surface 20 b),where the heater wire can heat up and transfer heat to the top surface20 a of the base 20 via conduction through the base 20 (e.g., to raisethe temperature of the base 20 above ambient temperature to maintainfood on the plate 100 warm, such as at a desired temperature or within adesired temperature range). The insulative member 70 can be plate-likeand disposed proximate the heating or cooling element 60 so that theheating or cooling element 60 is interposed between the insulativemember 70 and the base 20. In one embodiment, the insulative member 70can be a ceramic plate. However, in other embodiments, the insulativemember 70 can be made of other suitable materials that are thermallyinsulative. In still other embodiments, the insulative member 70 can beexcluded.

With continued reference to FIG. 2, the one or more energy storagedevices 80 can in one embodiment be batteries, such as rechargeablebatteries. For example, the one or more energy storage devices 80 can belithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries or lithium polymer (Li-poly) batteries.However, in other embodiments where the energy storage devices 80 arebatteries, the batteries can be other suitable types (e.g., lead acid,nickel cadmium, nickel metal hydride). In another embodiment, the one ormore energy storage devices 80 can be capacitors. The one or more energystorage devices 80 can be electrically connected to the heating orcooling element 60 and configured to supply power to the heating orcooling element 60 to heat or cool at least a portion of the plate 100.

The electronic module 90 can be attached to a top surface 44 of thebottom portion 40 and electrically connected to the one or more energystorage devices 80. In one embodiment, the electronic module 90 caninclude one or more of a wireless power receiver 92, control circuitry94 (e.g., controller circuit) and a charger 96 (e.g., charging circuit)for charging the one or more energy storage devices 80. In oneembodiment, the wireless power receiver 92 is electrically connected tothe battery charger 96, which is connected to the one or more energystorage device 80 that are then electrically connected to the heating orcooling element 60 through a controller circuit 94. The controlcircuitry can also be used to manage the charging of the one or moreenergy storage devices 80. In another embodiment, where the energystorage devices 80 are excluded (as discussed further below), thewireless power receiver 92 can be electrically connected directly to theheating or cooling element 60. The control circuitry 94 can operate tomanage the power delivered to the heating or cooling element 60.

In one embodiment, the bottom portion 40 can be removably attached tothe plate 100 to allow access to the heating or cooling system 55 in thecavity 50. For example, the bottom portion 40 can be mechanicallycoupled to the plate 100 (e.g., with screws, a threaded interfacebetween the bottom portion 40 and the plate 100, a press-fit connection,etc.). The bottom portion 40 can be removed to allow the replacing ofthe one or more energy storage devices 80 and the servicing of theheating or cooling system 55. In one embodiment, the bottom portion 40can be a water resistant lid that can be removably attachable (e.g.,threaded on or screwed) to the plate 100 for accessing the heating orcooling system 55. In another embodiment, the bottom portion 40 can be awater resistant lid that can be removably attachable (e.g., threaded onor, screwed) to the plate 100 for accessing the one or more energystorage devices 80. In yet another embodiment, the energy storagedevices 80 can be in a pack that is attached (e.g., threaded, snap fit,screwed down) onto the bottom of the plate 100, where the pack'selectrical contacts connect with a set of electrical contacts on thebottom of the plate 100.

With continued reference to FIG. 3, a charging base 200 can have aprotruding or raised section 220 with a top surface 222 and a bottomsurface 224. A wireless power transmitter 240 can be attached to thebottom surface 224. The protruding section 220 is preferably shaped andsized to at least partially fit into the recess 16 in the plate 100,such that the top surface 222 is adjacent the bottom surface 42 of thebottom portion 40. Advantageously, the protruding section 220 fits atleast partially into the recess 16 so as to generally align theelectronic module 90 over the wireless power transmitter 240 tofacilitate wireless power transmission between the wireless powertransmitter 240 and the wireless power receiver 92. In anotherembodiment, the plate 100 can have a protruding portion and the chargingbase 200 a recessed portion, where the protruding portion fits at leastpartially within the recessed portion when the plate 100 is coupled tothe charging base 200. The wireless power transmitter 220 can beelectrically connected to a power source (not shown), such as a walloutlet, via a power cord (not shown).

In one embodiment, the wireless power transmitter 240 can be aninduction coil and the wireless power receiver 92 can also be aninduction coil. Therefore, in one embodiment, the charging base 200 canwirelessly transmit power from the power transmitter 240 to the wirelesspower receiver 92 via induction coupling. However, transmission of powerfrom the wireless power transmitter 240 to the wireless power receiver92 is not limited to inductive coupling. In other embodiments, otherforms of short-distance wireless energy transfer can be used (e.g.,microwave energy). In still other embodiments, further discussed below,long-distance wireless energy transfer can be used to transmit power tothe wireless power receiver 92, without the use of a charging base.

In one embodiment, the heating or cooling system 55 is advantageouslyembedded or housed in the body of the plate 100 so that no portion ofthe heating or cooling system 55 is exposed or can be contacted by auser while holding the plate 100. Therefore, the plate 100 canadvantageously be exposed to water or other liquids, e.g., in a sink orin a dishwasher, without exposing the heating or cooling system 55 tosaid water or liquids, thereby inhibiting damage to the heating orcooling system 55. Additionally, by having all components embedded orhoused in the body of the plate 100, the plate 100 can be aestheticallypleasing as it looks like a conventional plate.

FIGS. 3A-3B shows another embodiment of a heated or cooled plate 100′″.The heated or cooled plate 100′″ is similar to the heated or cooledplate 100 and can have the same components as the heated or cooled plate100, except as noted below. Thus, the reference numerals used todesignate the various components of the heated or cooled plate 100′″ areidentical to those used for identifying the corresponding components ofthe heated or cooled plate 100 in FIGS. 1-3, except that a “′″” has beenadded to the reference numerals.

In another embodiment, shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the plate 100′″ caninclude one or more corrosion resistant electrical contacts 46′″ on anouter surface of the plate 100′″, such as the bottom surface 42′″ of thebottom portion 40″′ of the plate 100′″, where the electrical contactsare sized and shaped to contact corresponding electrical contacts 246′″on the charging base 200′″ (e.g., on the top surface 222′″ of theprotruding section 220′″ of the charging base 200′″), when the plate100′″ is placed on the charging base 200′″ so that power is transmittedfrom the charging base 200′″ to the energy storage devices 80′″, heatingor cooling element 60′″ and/or electronic module 90′″ in the plate 100′″through the electrical contacts 46′″, 246″. In one embodiment, theelectrical contacts of the plate 100′″ can protrude from a surface ofthe plate 100′″, such as electrical posts. In another embodiment, shownin FIG. 3A, the electrical contacts 46′″ of the plate 100′″ can be oneor more contact pads on the bottom surface 42′″ of the bottom portion40′″ of the plate 100′″, which can contact corresponding contacts, suchas the pin contacts 246′″) on the top surface 222′″ of the charging base200″. However, the electrical contacts on the plate 100′″ and chargingbase 200′″ can have other suitable configurations. As shown in FIGS. 3Aand 3B, the plate 100′″ can have a slot 48′″ on bottom surface of theplate 100′″ (e.g., formed on the bottom surface 42′″ of the bottomportion 40′″ of the plate 100′″) that is sized and shaped to receive apin or key 248′″ on the charging base 200′″. The slot 48′″ and pin orkey 248′″ provide a “clocking” aspect of the plate 100′″ that allows theelectrical contacts 46′″ of the plate 100′″ to readily align with theelectrical contacts 246′″ of the charging base 200′″. However, inanother embodiment, the slot can be formed on the charging base 200′″and the pin or key can be formed on the bottom of the plate 100″. Thisconfiguration of electrical contacts and slot/key arrangement can alsobe incorporated into other drinkware, dishware or serverware devices,such as the mug 400 and travel mug 600 discussed below.

In another embodiment, the heating or cooling system 55 can be housed ina non-water proof module that can be removably attached to the plate 100(e.g., threadably coupled to the plate 100, or coupled via a pin/slotassembly where the module twists into the bottom of a plate 100) to heator cool the plate 100. In this embodiment, when the plate 100 is to bewashed, the heating or cooling module can be decoupled from the plate100 before the plate 100 is washed (e.g., placed in the dish washingmachine). The heating or cooling module can then be placed on acorresponding charging station for use at a later time when it can againbe coupled to a plate 100 to heat or cool food on the plate 100. Theembodiment described above can apply to other forms of dishware (e.g.,mug, cup, serving dish).

In another embodiment, the charging base 200 can be excluded and powercan be transmitted to the wireless power receiver 92 via a remote powertransmitter using long-distance wireless energy transmission, as furtherdiscussed below. In this embodiment, where the heated or cooled plate100 also does not have energy storage devices, such as the energystorage devices 80, the heating or cooling element 60 is electricallyconnected to the wireless power receiver 92 via the control circuit 94,which is operable to control the amount of power that is provided to theheating or cooling element 60. During operation, if the plate 100 is outof range of the wireless power transmission, the heating or coolingelement 60 will lose power and shut off. For example, in this embodimentif the plate 100 is not on a charging base, such as the charging base200, or out of the range of power transmission from a remote wirelesspower transmitter, the heating or cooling element 60 in the plate 100will lose power and shut off.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show one embodiment of a charging stand 300 that can bestored in a cabinet, such as a kitchen cabinet, or on a countertop or ina pantry. The charging stand 300 can have a plurality of charging bases220′, each of which is attached to a rear wall 320 of the charging stand300 by a connecting support 230′. The charging stand 300 can also have apair of arms 310 on either side of the charging base 220′, each arm 310having a surface 312 that can contact at least a portion of the wall 10of the plate 100 and helps support the plate 100 on the charging base220′. Each of the charging bases 220′ can have a wireless powertransmitter, such as the wireless power transmitter 240, disposedtherein, which can transmit power to a wireless power receiver in theheated or cooled plate 100 that is placed on the charging base 220′. Thecharging stand 300 can have a power cord (not shown) to connect thestand to, for example, a wall outlet, in order to electrically connectthe wireless power transmitters in the charging bases 220′ with thepower source.

In another embodiment, the charging stand 300 can be excluded, and theplates 100 can be stacked on top of each other, with a single chargingbase at the bottom of the stack (e.g., the charging base 200 in FIG. 3)In this embodiment, the electronic module 90 in each plate 100 caninclude a repeater circuit that takes the power coming in from thewireless power receiver 92 (inside the plate 100) and then energizes awireless power transmitter (not shown) which would be mounted justunderneath bottom surface 20 b inside the same plate 100. In thisembodiment, when another plate is stacked on top of this plate 100, thetop plate can receive power from the wireless power transmitter which islocated in the plate 100 directly beneath it. In this manner, when anumber of plates were stacked on top of each other, each plate wouldwirelessly receive power from the plate beneath it, and transmit powerto the plate above it. In one embodiment, the energy storage devices areexcluded from the plate 100 (or mug 400 or travel mug 600 discussedbelow), so the wireless power receiver can be electrically connected tothe heating or cooling element. This allows a stack of plates 100 to bepositioned on one stand.

FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of a heated or cooled plate 100′. Theheated or cooled plate 100′ is similar to the heated or cooled plate 100and can have the same components as the heated or cooled plate 100,except as noted below. Thus, the reference numerals used to designatethe various components of the heated or cooled plate 100′ are identicalto those used for identifying the corresponding components of the heatedor cooled plate 100 in FIGS. 1-3, except that a “′” has been added tothe reference numerals.

In the illustrated embodiment, the heated or cooled plate 100′ has aheating or cooling element 60′ that includes a trace pattern that istraced or laid onto at least a portion of the top surface 20 a′ of thebase 20′ of the plate 100′. For example, the trace pattern can be screenprinted onto the top surface 20 a′ and have a connecting portion (notshown) that electrically connects the heating or cooling element 60′ tothe energy storage devices 80, wireless power receiver 92, and/orcontrol circuitry 94.

FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of a heated or cooled plate 100″. Theheated or cooled plate 100″ is similar to the heated or cooled plate 100and can have the same components as the heated or cooled plate 100,except as noted below. Thus, the reference numerals used to designatethe various components of the heated plate 100″ are identical to thoseused for identifying the corresponding components of the heated plate100 in FIGS. 1-3, except that a “″” has been added to the referencenumerals.

In the illustrated embodiment, the cavity 50″ in the heated or cooledplate 100″ can be subdivided by the insulative member 70 into a firstcavity 50 a between the bottom portion 40 and the insulative member 70and a second cavity 50 b between the insulative member 70 and the base20. The energy storage devices 80 and electronic module 90 are disposedin the first cavity 50 a. The insulative member 70 is positioned againsta ledge 10 a defined between the bottom portion 40 and the base 20 sothat the insulative member 70 is spaced from the heating or coolingelement 60, thereby defining the second cavity 50 b. In the illustratedembodiment, the second cavity 50 b is under a vacuum, whichadvantageously further thermally insulates the energy storage devices 80and electronic module 90 from the heating or cooling element 60.Additionally, having the second cavity 50 b under a vacuumadvantageously allows the top surface 20 a of the base 20 to maintainits temperature for a longer period of time, as the vacuum in the secondcavity 50 b inhibits heat transfer through the bottom of the plate 100″.In the illustrated embodiment, the heating or cooling element 60 can beelectrically connected to the one or more energy storage devices 80 viaa connector (not shown) that extends between the first and secondcavities 50 a, 50 b (e.g., a trace line printed on the side wall of thefirst and second cavities 50 a, 50 b).

FIGS. 8-9 illustrate a heated or cooled mug 400 with a circumferentialwall 412 having a side surface 412 a, a handle 414 and a base 420 havinga top surface 420 a, where the side surface 412 a and top surface 420 adefine a cavity 418 that can hold a liquid or solid (e.g., coffee, soup,ice cream). The heated or cooled mug 400 can have a bottom portion 419that defines a recess 450 between a bottom edge 416 a and the base 420.A bottom member (e.g., plate) 440 can be positioned against a ledge 419a of the bottom portion 419, so as to define a cavity 450 a between thebottom member 440 and the base 420. In the illustrated embodiment, aheating or cooling system 455 can be disposed (e.g., embedded) in thecavity 450 a. The heating or cooling system 455 can include a heating orcooling element 460, an insulative member 470, one or more energystorage devices 480 and an electronic module 490, and these componentscan be arranged and connected in the same manner described above inconnection with the heated or cooled plate 100. In another embodiment,the insulative member 470 can be excluded.

The heating or cooling element 460 can be disposed adjacent a bottomsurface 420 b of the base 420 so as to conduct heat through the base 420to a top surface 420 a of the base 420. In one embodiment, the heatingor cooling element 460 can also be disposed within the wall 412 andbehind a side surface 412 of the mug 400. In one embodiment, the heatingor cooling element 460 can be a heater wire or heating wire. In anotherembodiment, the heating or cooling element 460 can be a resistiveheater. However, in other embodiments, the heating or cooling element460 can include other suitable mechanisms.

The electronic module 490 can be attached to a top surface 444 of thebottom member 440 and include one or more of a wireless power receiver492, control circuitry 494 (e.g., controller circuit) and a charger 496(e.g., charging circuit) for charging the one or more energy storagedevices 480. The control circuitry 494 can operate to manage the powerdelivered to the heating or cooling element 460. The control circuitry494 can also be used to manage the charging of the one or more energystorage devices 480. In one embodiment, the wireless power receiver 492is electrically connected to the battery charger 496, which iselectrically connected to the energy storage devices 480 that in turnare electrically connected to the heating or cooling element 460. Inanother embodiment, where energy storage devices are excluded (asdiscussed further below), the wireless power receiver 492 can beelectrically connected to the heating or cooling element 460. In oneembodiment, the heating or cooling system 455 is completely disposed inthe bottom portion 419 so that no part of the system 455 is visible(i.e., the mug 400 looks like a conventional mug). In anotherembodiment, the heating or cooling system 455 can be housed in a modulethat is removably attachable to the mug 400.

With continued reference to FIGS. 8-9, the bottom portion 440 can beaxially spaced from the bottom edge 416 a so as to define a recess 416at the bottom of the mug 400. A charging base 500 for the heated orcooled mug 400 can include a raised portion 520 with a top surface 522,where the raised portion 520 is sized and shaped to fit at leastpartially within the recess 416 when the mug 400 is placed on thecharging base 500, so that a bottom surface 442 of the bottom member 440is adjacent the top surface 522 of the raised portion 520. The chargingbase can include a wireless power transmitter 540 attached to a bottomsurface 524 of the raised portion 520, where the wireless powertransmitter 540 is arranged on the bottom surface 524 so as to generallyalign with the electronic module 490 when the mug 400 is positioned onthe charging base 500 to facilitate wireless power transmission betweenthe wireless power transmitter 540 and the wireless power receiver 492(e.g., via short distance wireless energy transfer, such as inductivecoupling, as discussed above). In another embodiment, the mug 400 canhave a protruding portion at its bottom and the charging base 500 canhave a corresponding recessed portion, where the protruding portion fitswithin the recessed portion when the mug 400 is coupled to the chargingbase 500. The wireless power transmitter 540 can be electricallyconnected to a power source (not shown), such as a wall outlet, via apower cord (not shown).

In one embodiment, the bottom member 440 can be removably attached tothe mug 400 to allow access to the heating or cooling system 455 in thecavity 450 a. For example, the bottom member 440 can be mechanicallycoupled to the mug 400 (e.g., with screws, a threaded interface betweenthe bottom member 440 and mug 400, a press-fit connection). The bottommember 440 can be removed to allow the replacing of the one or moreenergy storage devices 480 and the servicing of the heating or coolingsystem 455. In one embodiment, the bottom member 440 can be a waterresistant lid that can be removably attachable (e.g., threaded on orscrewed) to the mug 400 for accessing the heating or cooling system 455.In another embodiment, the bottom member 440 can be a water resistantlid that can be removably attachable (e.g., threaded on or screwed) tothe mug 400 for accessing the one or more energy storage devices 480. Inyet another embodiment, the energy storage devices 480 can be in a packthat is attached (e.g., threaded, snap fit, screwed down) onto thebottom of the mug 400, where the pack's electrical contacts connect witha set of electrical contacts on the bottom of the mug 400.

In another embodiment, the charging base 500 can be excluded and powercan be transmitted to the wireless power receiver 492 via a remote powertransmitter using long-distance wireless energy transmission, as furtherdiscussed below. In this embodiment, where the heated or cooled mug 400also does not have energy storage devices, such as the energy storagedevices 480, the heating or cooling element 460 is electricallyconnected to the wireless power receiver 492 via the control circuit494, which is operable to control the amount of power that is providedto the heating or cooling element 460. During operation, if the mug 400is out of range of the wireless power transmission, the heating orcooling element 460 will lose power and shut off. For example, in thisembodiment if the mug 400 is not on a charging base, such as thecharging base 500, or out of the range of power transmission from aremote wireless power transmitter, the heating or cooling element 460 inthe mug 400 will lose power and shut off.

The one or more energy storage devices 480 can advantageously supplypower to the heating or cooling element 460 for a prolonged period oftime before its power charge diminishes, thereby advantageouslymaintaining the contents of the mug 400 (e.g., soup, coffee, ice cream)hot or cold, for a prolonged period of time. In one embodiment, theenergy storage devices 480 can power the heating or cooling element 460for at least 15 minutes. In another embodiment, the energy storagedevices 480 can power the heating or cooling element 460 for betweenabout 30 minutes and about 60 minutes. However, in another embodiment,the energy storage devices 480 can power the heating or cooling element460 for greater than 60 minutes. In another embodiment, the power level,or desired temperature, can be selected by the user (e.g., via a switch)which will extend or shorten the duration of time that the heating orcooling element 460 will run for, as further discussed below.

As discussed above, in one embodiment, the heating or cooling system 455is advantageously embedded in the body of the mug 400 (e.g., embedded inthe bottom portion 419 of the mug 400) so that no portion of the heatingor cooling system 455 is exposed or can be contacted by a user whileholding the mug 400. Therefore, the mug 400 can advantageously beexposed to water or other liquids, e.g., in a sink or in a dishwasher,without exposing the heating or cooling system 455 to said water orliquids, thereby inhibiting damage to the heating or cooling system 455.Additionally, by being embedded in the body of the mug 460, the mug 460can be aesthetically pleasing as it looks like a conventional mug.

In another embodiment, the heating or cooling system 455 can be housedin a non-water proof module that can be removably attached to the mug400 (e.g., threadably coupled to the mug 400, or coupled via a pin/slotassembly where the module twists into the bottom of a mug 400) to heator cool the mug 400. In this embodiment, when the mug 400 is to bewashed, the heating or cooling module can be decoupled from the mug 400before the mug 400 is washed (e.g., placed in the dish washing machine).The heating or cooling module can then be placed on a correspondingcharging station for use at a later time when it can again be coupled toa mug 400 to heat or cool the contents of the mug 400.

In another embodiment, the mug 400 can include one or more corrosionresistant electrical contacts (not shown) on an outer surface of the mug400, such as the bottom surface 442 of the bottom portion 440 of the mug400, where the electrical contacts are sized and shaped to contactcorresponding electrical contacts (not shown) on the charging base 500when the mug 400 is placed on the charging base 500. In one embodiment,the electrical contacts of the mug 400 can protrude from a surface ofthe mug 400, such as electrical posts. In another embodiment, theelectrical contacts of the mug 400 can be one or more contact pads (notshown) on the bottom surface 442 of the bottom portion 440 of the mug400 that can contact corresponding contact pads (not shown) on the topsurface 522 of the charging base 500. However, the electrical contactson the mug 400 and charging base 500 can have other suitableconfigurations.

FIG. 9A shows another embodiment of a heated or cooled mug 400′. Theheated or cooled mug 400′ is similar to the heated or cooled mug 400 andcan have the same components as the heated or cooled mug 400, except asnoted below. Thus, the reference numerals used to designate the variouscomponents of the heated or cooled mug 400′ are identical to those usedfor identifying the corresponding components of the heated or cooled mug400 in FIGS. 8-9, except that a “′” has been added to the referencenumerals.

In the illustrated embodiment, the heated or cooled mug 400′ can have aheating or cooling element 460′, which is shown schematically in FIG.9A. In one embodiment, the heating or cooling element 460′ can be aheater wire or heating wire, such as the heating or cooling element 460shown in FIGS. 8-9. In another embodiment, the heating or coolingelement 460′ can be a resistive heater. However, in other embodiments,the heating or cooling element 460′ can include other suitablemechanisms. In one embodiment, the heating or cooling element 460′ canbe an active cooling element or a passive cooling element. For example,where the heating or cooling element 460′ is a passive cooling element,the heating or cooling element 460′ can include a thermoelectric systemwith one or more Peltier elements in contact with, or in proximity to,the bottom surface 420 b of the base 420. In another embodiment, wherethe heating or cooling element 460′ is an active cooling element, theheating or cooling element 460′ can include a chilled fluid circulationsystem with channels (not shown) disposed in contact with, or inproximity to, the bottom surface 420 b of the base 420. In still anotherembodiment, the heating or cooling element 460′ can be a FREON® coolingsystem with an expansion channel (not shown) inside a bottom portion 419of the mug 400′ (or other dishware device). However, the heating orcooling element 460′ can include other suitable active coolingarrangements. Though the illustrated embodiment is for a heated orcooled mug 400′, the heating or cooling element 460′ can be incorporatedinto any dishware, drinkware or serverware device, such as the plate 100and travel mug 600 (discussed below). In some embodiments, the dishware,drinkware or serverware device can include a heat sink (e.g., one ormore fins) to dissipate heat generated by the heating or coolingelement. In one embodiment, the heat sink can be incorporated into thebody of the dishware, drinkware or serverware device. In anotherembodiment, the heat sink can be removably attached to the dishware,drinkware or serverware device. The heating or cooling element 460′ canbe operated to maintain liquid or solid food in the dishware, drinkwareor serverware device warm or cool (e.g., to raise or lower thetemperature of the receiving portion of the dishware, drinkware orserverware device above or below ambient temperature to maintain thefood warm or cool, such as at a desired temperature or within a desiredtemperature range).

FIGS. 10-12 show one embodiment of a travel mug 600, such as a travelcoffee mug, that incorporates some of the same features described abovewith respect to the mug 400. In the illustrated embodiment, the travelmug 600 has an outer circumferential wall 610, a handle 612 and a bottomportion 640, where the bottom portion 640 can, in one embodiment, beremovably attached to the distal end of the outer circumferential wall610. In the illustrated embodiment, the travel mug 600 has an innercircumferential wall 620 that extends from a proximal portion 622 to abase 626 and has a distal portion 624 adjacent the base 626. The innercircumferential wall 620 defines a chamber C (e.g., receiving portion)for holding a liquid (e.g., coffee, tea).

The inner circumferential wall 620 can attach at its proximal portion622 to a proximal end 612 a of the outer circumferential wall 610. Asshown in FIG. 10, the inner circumferential wall 620 is shaped relativeto the outer circumferential wall 610 so as to define an annular gap 628between the inner circumferential wall 620 and the outer circumferentialwall 610. Additionally, the base 626 of the inner circumferential wall620 is spaced apart from the bottom portion 640 so as to define a cavity630 therebetween, where the cavity 630 is in communication with theannular gap 628. A cover 670 can be removably disposed over the openingO in the inner circumferential wall 620 to substantially seal theopening O.

With continued reference to FIGS. 10-11, the travel mug 600 can have aheating or cooling system 655 disposed in the cavity 630. In oneembodiment, the heating or cooling system can include a heating orcooling element 660, one or more energy storage devices 680 and anelectronic module 690, where these components can be arranged andconnected in the same manner described above in connection with theheated or cooled plate 100 and heated or cooled mug 400. The heating orcooling element 660 can be disposed adjacent the distal portion 624 ofthe inner circumferential wall 620. In the illustrated embodiment, theheating or cooling element 660 can be wrapped around the distal portion624 and in contact with an outer surface 620 a of the innercircumferential wall 620 at the location of the distal portion 624 so asto conduct heat through the distal portion 624 of the innercircumferential wall 620 and into the liquid in the chamber C. Theelectronic module 690 can be attached to a top surface 644 of the bottomportion 640 and can include one or more of a wireless power receiver692, control circuitry 694 (e.g., controller circuit) and a charger 696(e.g., charging circuit) for charging the one or more energy storagedevices 680. The control circuitry 694 can operate to manage the powerdelivered to the heating or cooling element 660. The control circuitrycan also be used to manage the charging of the one or more energystorage devices 680. In another embodiment, an insulative member, suchas the insulative member 70, 470 discussed above, can be disposedbetween the base 626 of the inner circumferential wall 620 and theelectronic module 690 to thermally isolate the heating or coolingelement 660 from the electronic module 690.

In one embodiment, the wireless power receiver 692 is electricallyconnected to the battery charger 696, which is electrically connected tothe energy storage devices 680 that in turn are electrically connectedto the heating or cooling element 660. In another embodiment, whereenergy storage devices 680 are excluded, the wireless power receiver 692can be electrically connected to the heating or cooling element 660. Inone embodiment, the heating or cooling system 655 is completely disposedin the cavity 630 so that no part of the system 655 is visible (i.e.,the travel mug 600 looks like a conventional travel mug).

In one embodiment, the bottom portion 640 can be removably attached tothe travel mug 600 to allow access to the heating or cooling system 655in the cavity 630. For example, the bottom portion 640 can bemechanically coupled to the travel mug 600 (e.g., with screws, athreaded interface between the bottom portion 640 and travel mug 600, apress-fit connection). The bottom portion 640 can be removed to allowthe replacing of the one or more energy storage devices 680 and theservicing of the heating or cooling system 655. In one embodiment, thebottom portion 640 can be a water resistant lid that can be removablyattachable (e.g., threaded on or screwed) to the travel mug 600 foraccessing the heating or cooling system 655. In another embodiment, thebottom portion 640 can be a water resistant lid that can be removablyattachable (e.g., threaded on or screwed) to the travel mug 600 foraccessing the one or more energy storage devices 680. In yet anotherembodiment, the energy storage devices 680 can be in a pack that isattached (e.g., threaded snap fit, screwed down) onto the bottom or sideof the travel mug 600, where the pack's electrical contacts connect witha set of electrical contacts on the bottom or side of the travel mug600.

With continued reference to FIGS. 10-12, a charging base 700 for thetravel mug 600 can include a recessed portion 710 with a base 720, wherethe recessed portion 710 is sized and shaped to at least partiallyreceive the distal portion of the travel mug 600 therein, so that abottom surface 642 of the bottom portion 640 is adjacent the base 720when the travel mug 600 is placed on the charging base 700. The chargingbase 700 can include a wireless power transmitter (not shown) attachedto a bottom surface of the base 720, in a similar manner as discussedabove in connection with the charging base 200, 500. The wireless powertransmitter is arranged on the bottom surface of the base 720 so as togenerally align with the electronic module 690 when the travel mug 600is positioned on the charging base 700 to facilitate wireless powertransmission between the wireless power transmitter and the wirelesspower receiver 692 (e.g., via short distance wireless energy transfer,such as inductive coupling, as discussed above). In another embodiment,the travel mug 600 can have a recessed portion, and the charging base700 a corresponding protruding portion that can at least partially fitwithin the recessed portion of the travel mug 600 when the travel mug600 is coupled to the charging base 700. The wireless power transmittercan be electrically connected to a power source (not shown), such as aall outlet, via a power cord (not shown).

In another embodiment, the charging base 700 can be excluded and powercan be transmitted to the wireless power receiver 692 via a remote powertransmitter using long-distance wireless energy transmission, as furtherdiscussed below. In this embodiment, where the travel mug 600 also doesnot have energy storage devices, such as the energy storage devices 680,the heating or cooling element 660 is electrically connected to thewireless power receiver 692 via the control circuit 694, which isoperable to control the amount of power that is provided to the heatingor cooling element 660. During operation, if the travel mug 600 is outof range of the wireless power transmission, the heating or coolingelement 660 will lose power and shut off. For example, in thisembodiment if the mug 600 is not on a charging base, such as thecharging base 700, or out of the range of power transmission from aremote wireless power transmitter, the heating or cooling element 660 inthe travel mug 600 will lose power and shut off. In still anotherembodiment, the travel mug 600, or plate 100 or mug 400 can include oneor more energy storage devices 80, 480, 680 electrically connected tothe heating or cooling element 60, 460, 660 and the electronic module90, 490, 690 can switch to battery power (e.g., via the control circuit94, 494, 694) when the travel mug 600, plate 100 or mug 400 is out ofrange of power transmission from the remote wireless power transmitterso that the heating or cooling element 60, 460, 660 can continue to heator cool the contents of the travel mug 660, plate 100 or mug 400 for aperiod of time.

As with the embodiments discussed above, the heating or cooling element660 can in one embodiment be a heater wire or heating wire. In anotherembodiment, the heating or cooling element 660 can be a resistiveheater. However, in other embodiments, the heating or cooling element660 can include other suitable mechanisms. In one embodiment, theheating or cooling element 660 can be an active cooling element or apassive cooling element. For example, where the heating or coolingelement 660 is a passive cooling element, the heating or cooling element660 can include a thermoelectric system with one or more Peltierelements. In another embodiment, where the heating or cooling element660 is an active cooling element, the heating or cooling element 660 caninclude a chilled fluid circulation system with channels (not shown)disposed in contact with, or in proximity to, the distal portion 624 ofthe inner circumferential wall 620. In still another embodiment, theheating or cooling element 660 can be a FREON® cooling system with anexpansion channel inside the bottom portion of the travel mug 600 (orother dishware device). However, the heating or cooling element 660 caninclude other suitable active cooling arrangements.

The one or more energy storage devices 680 can advantageously supplypower to the heating or cooling element 660 for a prolonged period oftime before its power charge diminishes, thereby advantageouslymaintaining the contents of the travel mug 600 (e.g., coffee, softdrink) hot or cold, for a prolonged period of time (e.g., while a useris commuting to work). In one embodiment, the energy storage devices 680can power the heating or cooling element 660 for at least 15 minutes. Inanother embodiment, the energy storage devices 680 can power the heatingor cooling element 660 for between about 30 minutes and about 60minutes. However, in another embodiment, the energy storage devices 680can power the heating or cooling element 660 for greater than 60minutes.

In the illustrated embodiment, the travel mug 600 includes a userinterface 695 that is electrically connected to the electronic module690 via one or more electrical lines (not shown). In one embodiment, theelectrical lines can include trace patterns screen printed on an innersurface 610 a of the inner circumferential wall 610 and extend betweenthe user interface 695 and the electronic module 690. In anotherembodiment, the electrical lines can include one or more standardelectrical wires. The user interface 695 can include one or more userselection members 695 a, such as buttons, which the user can actuate toeffect a desired control of the heating or cooling system 655. Forexample, one of the user selection members 695 a can be used to turn offthe heating or cooling element 660 (e.g., if the user does not want tocontinue to heat or cool the contents of the travel mug 600). In anotherembodiment, one or more of the user selection members 695 a can be usedto control the heating or cooling element 660 to provide a desiredtemperature for the liquid in the travel mug 600. In still anotherembodiment, at least one of the user selection members 695 a can be usedto set a timer for when power to the heating or cooling element 660 isto be turned off. However, the user selection members 695 a can be usedto control other parameters of the operation of the heating or coolingelement 660. For example, the heating or cooling element 660 could havemultiple power settings that can be set with the user selection members695 a. When set to a higher power setting the heating or cooling element660 will run for a shorter period of time before the power storageelement 680 can no longer power the heating or cooling element 660. Whenset to a lower power setting, the heating or cooling element 660 willrun for a longer period of time before the power storage element 680 canno longer power the heating or cooling element 660. In anotherembodiment, the temperature level can be selected by a user via anadjustable thermostat on the user interface 695. The thermostat canadvantageously be adjusted to one of multiple temperature settings bythe user to control the heating or cooling element 660 within the travelmug 660 (or other dishware or drinkware device) in order to maintain itscontents at a specified temperature or within a specified temperaturerange.

As discussed above, in one embodiment, the heating or cooling system 655is advantageously housed in the body of the travel mug 600 (e.g., housedin the cavity 630) so that no portion of the heating or cooling system655 is exposed or can be contacted by a user while holding the travelmug 600. Therefore, the travel mug 600 can advantageously be exposed towater or other liquids, e.g., in a sink or in a dishwasher, withoutexposing the heating or cooling system 655 to said water or liquids,thereby inhibiting damage to the heating or cooling system 655.Additionally, by being housed in the body of the travel mug 660, thetravel mug 660 can be aesthetically pleasing as it looks like aconventional travel mug. In another embodiment, the travel mug 600 caninclude one or more electrical contacts (e.g., electrical posts, contactpads) on an outer surface of the mug 600, as discussed above inconnection with the mug 400, where the electrical contacts are sized andshaped to contact corresponding electrical contacts (not shown) on thecharging base 700 when the travel mug 600 is placed on the charging base700.

In another embodiment, the heating or cooling system 655 can be housedin a non-water proof module that can be removably attached to the travelmug 600 (e.g., threadably coupled to the travel mug 600, or coupled viaa pin/slot assembly where the module twists into the bottom of a travelmug 600) to heat or cool the travel mug 600. In this embodiment, whenthe travel mug 600 is to be washed, the heating or cooling module can bedecoupled from the travel mug 600 before the travel mug 600 is washed(e.g., placed in the washing machine). The heating or cooling module canthen be placed on a corresponding charging station for use at a latertime when it can again be coupled to a travel mug 600 to heat or coolfood on the travel mug 600.

FIG. 13 shows another embodiment of a heated or cooled travel mug 600′.The heated or cooled travel mug 600′ is similar to the heated or cooledtravel mug 600 and can have the same components as the heated or cooledtravel mug 600, except as noted below. Thus, the reference numerals usedto designate the various components of the heated or cooled travel mug600′ are identical to those used for identifying the correspondingcomponents of the heated or cooled travel mug 600 in FIGS. 10-12, exceptthat a “′” has been added to the reference numerals.

In the illustrated embodiment, the heated or cooled travel mug 600′ hasa heating or cooling element 660′ that includes a trace pattern that istraced or laid onto at least a portion of the inner surface 620 b′ ofthe distal portion 624′ of the inner circumferential wall 620′. Forexample, the trace pattern can be screen printed onto the inner surface620 b′ and have a connecting portion (not shown) that electricallyconnects the heating or cooling element 660′ to the energy storagedevices 680 or wireless power receiver 692.

FIG. 14 shows another embodiment of a heated or cooled travel mug 600″.The heated or cooled travel mug 600″ is similar to the heated or cooledtravel mug 600 and can have the same components as the heated or cooledtravel mug 600, except as noted below. Thus, the reference numerals usedto designate the various components of the heated or cooled travel mug600″ are identical to those used for identifying the correspondingcomponents of the heated or cooled travel mug 600 in FIGS. 10-12, exceptthat a “″” has been added to the reference numerals.

In the illustrated embodiment, the cavity 630″ in the heated or cooledtravel mug 600″ can be subdivided by a base 614″ of the outercylindrical wall 610″ and an adjacent top wall 616″ into a first cavity630 a″ between the bottom portion 640″ and the top wall 616″ and asecond cavity 630 b″ between the base 614″ of the outer cylindrical wall610″ and the annular gap 628″. The energy storage devices 680 andelectronic module 690 are disposed in the first cavity 630 a″. In theillustrated embodiment, the second cavity 630 b″ is under a vacuum,which advantageously further thermally insulates the energy storagedevices 680 and electronic module 690 from the heating or coolingelement 660. Additionally, having the second cavity 630 b″ under avacuum advantageously allows the inner surface 620 b of the innercircumferential wall 620 to maintain its temperature for a longer periodof time, and therefore maintain the temperature of the liquid in thechamber C for a longer period of time, as the vacuum in the secondcavity 630 b″ inhibits heat transfer through the outer cylindrical wall610″ and base 614″. In the illustrated embodiment, the heating orcooling element 660 can be electrically connected to the one or moreenergy storage devices 680 and the electronic module 690 with aconnector (e.g., one or more wires, or a trace line printed on the sidewall 620 a″, 610 a″ of the inner and outer circumferential walls 610″,620) (not shown) that extends between the first and second cavities 630a″, 630 b″.

In one embodiment, the heating or cooling system 55, 455, 655 isembedded or housed in the body of the dishware device (e.g., plate 100,mug 400, travel mug 600, etc.). In another embodiment, the heating orcooling system 55, 455, 655 can be housed in a closed water-resistant orwater-proof compartment, such as the cavity 50, 450, 630 disposed in arecess of the dishware device. For example, in one embodiment thecompartment can be disposed in said recess such that a surface of thecompartment is flush with the surrounding surface of the dishwaredevice. In another embodiment, the compartment can protrude from asurface of the dishware device. In one embodiment, the water resistantor water-proof compartment can be removably disposed in said recess ofthe dishware device (e.g., the compartment can be removably attachableto the dishware, drinkware or serverware device). In another embodiment,the water resistant or water-proof compartment can be fixed within saidrecess (e.g., attached to the dishware device within the recess via anadhesive, screws, etc.).

As discussed above, in one embodiment power can be transmittedwirelessly from a wireless power transmitter, such as the powertransmitter 240, 540, to a wireless power receiver, such as the powerreceiver 92, 492, 692, via short-distance wireless energy transfer, suchas inductive coupling. In another embodiment, the wireless powerreceiver 92, 492, 692 of the heated or cooled dishware and drinkware,such as the mug 400, plate 100 and travel mug 600, can receive powerfrom a remote transmitter via long-distance wireless energytransmission, so that a charging base need not be used to transmit powerto the heated or cooled dishware and drinkware.

In one embodiment, the remote transmitter can be disposed on a wall orceiling of a home or restaurant, or can be disposed outside the home orrestaurant. The transmitter can wirelessly transmit power over adistance of a few to several meters to the wireless power receiver 92,492, 692 using resonant inductive coupling. In one embodiment, aninductive coil in the remote transmitter can have a capacitance plateattached to each end of the coil wire. As electricity travels throughthe coil, the coil can resonate with a resonant frequency that is aproduct of the inductance of the coil and the capacitance of the plates.The wireless power receiver, such as the wireless power receiver 92,492, 692, can have a similar inductive coil with the same resonantfrequency as the inductive coil in the remote transmitter, so thatenergy can be transmitted from the transmitter to the wireless powerreceiver 92, 492, 692. Accordingly, the heated or cooled dishware ordrinkware, such as the mug 400, plate 100 and travel mug 600 can bepowered wirelessly without the use of a charging base.

In use, a user can charge the one or more energy storage devices, suchas the energy storage devices 80, 480, 680, via the charging base and/orthe remote transmitter. Once charged, the dishware or drinkware can beheated or cooled via the heating or cooling element 60, 460, 660 thereofto maintain food or liquids therein warm or chilled, as the case may be,for a prolonged period of time. Additionally, since the heating orcooling system 55, 455, 655 is disposed (e.g., embedded) in the body ofthe dishware or drinkware, such as the mug 400, plate 100 or travel mug600, the dishware and drinkware can be exposed to water (e.g., in a sinkor dishwasher) while inhibiting damage to the heating or cooling system55, 455, 655. In another embodiment, as discussed above, the heating orcooling system 55, 455, 655 can be housed in a closed water resistant orwater-proof compartment, where said compartment is fixed or removablyattachable to the dishware device (e.g., mug 400, plate 100, etc.).

In one embodiment, the dishware or drinkware device (e.g., mug 400,plate 100, travel mug 600) can include a gyro that senses theorientation of the dishware or drinkware device, and communicates withthe electronic module 90, 490, 690 to control the operation of thedishware or drinkware device. For example, the gyro can sense when theplate 100 has been turned on its side or when the mug 400 or travel mug600 have been turned upside down (e.g., when loading into a dishwasher)and communicates a signal to the electronic module 90, 490, 690 todiscontinue power to the heating or cooling element 60, 460, 660,thereby turning the heating or cooling element off. However, othersuitable devices (e.g., sensors) other than a gyro can be used to sensethe orientation of the dishware, drinkware or serverware device, such asthe plate 100, mug 400 or travel mug 600.

Though the embodiments above are described in connection with dishwareand drinkware, such as mugs, plates and travel mugs, one of ordinaryskill in the art will recognize that the heating or cooling element 60,460, 660 can also be incorporated into dinnerware, serverware (e.g.,serving platters, bowls, tureens, Chafing Dishes, trays) and bakeware(e.g., casserole dishes). Additionally, the drinkware, dishware,serverware, etc. can be made of a ceramic material or other suitablematerials (e.g., plastic or glass).

Of course, the foregoing description is that of certain features,aspects and advantages of the present invention, to which variouschanges and modifications can be made without departing from the spiritand scope of the present invention. Moreover, the heated or cooleddishware and drinkware need not feature all of the objects, advantages,features and aspects discussed above. Thus, for example, those of skillin the art will recognize that the invention can be embodied or carriedout in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or a group ofadvantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other objectsor advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. In addition, while anumber of variations of the invention have been shown and described indetail, other modifications and methods of use, which are within thescope of this invention, will be readily apparent to those of skill inthe art based upon this disclosure. For example, one of skill in the artwill recognize that the passive or active cooling elements describedabove for FIG. 9A can be incorporated into any of the other embodimentsdisclosed for the drinkware or dishware (e.g., plate 100, mug 400,travel mug 600). Additionally, one of skill in the art will recognizethat a vacuum chamber can also be incorporated into all embodimentsdescribed above, such as the mug 400, the plate 100′ and the travel mug600′, in a manner similar to that described above in connection with theplate 100″ or travel mug 600″. It is contemplated that variouscombinations or subcombinations of these specific features and aspectsof embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of theinvention. Accordingly, it should be understood that various featuresand aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with orsubstituted for one another in order to form varying modes of thediscussed heated or cooled dishware, drinkware and/or serverware.

1. A plate, mug, cup or serving dish, comprising: a dishwasher safe bodyhaving a receiving portion for holding solid or liquid food; and aheating or cooling system, the heating or cooling system comprising aheating or cooling element configured to heat or cool the receivingportion of the body, a power storage element electrically connected tothe heating or cooling element, the power storage element configured tosupply the heating or cooling element with electricity for a desiredperiod of time, and/or at a given power setting, and a wireless powerreceiver configured to wirelessly receive power from a power source, thewireless power receiver being electrically connected to the powerstorage device and configured to charge the power storage device,wherein the heating or cooling element is operable to actively heat orcool at least a portion of the body to maintain the solid or liquid foodin a heated or cooled state for an extended period of time.
 2. Theplate, mug, cup or serving dish of claim 1, wherein the heating orcooling system is housed in the body.
 3. The plate, mug, cup or servingdish of claim 1, further comprising a charging circuit operativelyconnected to the wireless power receiver and the power storage element,the charging circuit configured to control a charging process of thepower storage element.
 4. The plate, mug, cup or serving dish of claim3, wherein the power storage element is a rechargeable battery.
 5. Theplate, mug, cup or serving dish of claim 3, wherein the power storageelement is a capacitor.
 6. The plate, mug, cup or serving dish of claim1, wherein the power source comprises a charging base configured tocontact at least a portion of the dishwasher safe body, the chargingbase configured to wirelessly transmit power to the heating or coolingelement via inductive coupling.
 7. The plate, mug, cup or serving dishof claim 1, wherein the power source comprises a remote transmitterconfigured to wirelessly transmit power to the heating or coolingelement via resonant inductive coupling over a distance of a few toseveral meters.
 8. The plate, mug, cup or serving dish of claim 3,further comprising a user interface electrically connected to a controlcircuit, the user interface actuatable by a user to control theoperation of the heating or cooling element.
 9. (canceled) 10.(canceled)
 11. (canceled)
 12. (canceled)
 13. (canceled)
 14. (canceled)15. (canceled)
 16. An actively heated or cooled plate, mug, cup orserving dish, comprising: a dishwasher safe body having a receivingportion for holding solid or liquid food; a heating or cooling system,comprising a heating or cooling element configured to heat or cool thereceiving portion of the body; a wireless power receiver electricallyconnected to the heating or cooling element, the wireless power receiverconfigured to wirelessly receive power from a power source; and acontroller circuit electrically connected to the wireless power receiverand the heating or cooling element, wherein the controller circuit isconfigured to control the operation of the heating or cooling element.17. The heated or cooled plate or mug of claim 16, wherein the heatingor cooling system is housed in the body.
 18. The heated or cooled plateor mug of claim 16, further comprising one or more energy storagedevices electrically connected to the controller circuit, wireless powerreceiver and heating or cooling element, the one or more energy storagedevices configured to supply power to the heating or cooling element.19. The heated of cooled plate or mug of claim 18, wherein the one ormore energy storage devices comprises a rechargeable battery.
 20. Theheated of cooled plate or mug of claim 18, wherein the one or moreenergy storage devices comprises a capacitor.
 21. The heated or cooledplate or mug of claim 16, further comprising a user interfaceelectrically connected to the controller circuit, the user interfaceactuatable by a user to control the operation of the heating or coolingelement.
 22. An actively heated or cooled plate, mug, cup or servingdish device, comprising: a dishwasher safe body having a receivingportion for holding solid or liquid food; a heating or cooling systemcomprising a heating or cooling element housed in the body andconfigured to heat or cool the receiving portion of the body; an energystorage device electrically connected to the heating or cooling element;and an electrical contact member interface on an outer surface of thebody that is configured to contact an electrical contact element on acorresponding charging base, the electrical contact member configured toreceive power through the electrical contact element and to transmit thepower to the energy storage device.
 23. The device of claim 22, whereinthe heating or cooling system is housed in the body.
 24. The device ofclaim 22, further comprising a charging circuit operatively connected tothe electrical contact member and the energy storage device, thecharging circuit configured to control a charging process of the energystorage device.
 25. (canceled)
 26. The device of claim 22, furthercomprising a charging circuit operatively connected to the energystorage device, the charging circuit configured to control a chargingprocess of the energy storage device.
 27. The device of claim 22,further comprising a user interface electrically connected to thecontrol circuit, the user interface actuatable by a user to control theoperation of the heating or cooling element.
 28. The device of claim 22,further comprising a slot and key mechanism to position the dishwashersafe body on a charging base to align electrical contacts on an outersurface of the body with corresponding electrical contacts on a surfaceof the charging base.